When searching for a car it is important to note what the main reason for needing a car would be. Usually it is to drive yourself to work and back home. When you use a car daily you need to consider the comfortability and fuel efficiency as part of the deciding factors.

Datsun GO – the Datsun GO is fairly new to the market but it is making waves because it is so affordable and attractive. It is a small and light hatchback that is very fuel efficient with fuel consumption at 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

Open ADAM – the Open Adam has a modern design and is quite attractive for such a small hatchback. It is perfect to daily driving and for making an impression on the weekends. This one is not quite so cheap but its fuel consumption is a low 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

Volkswagen Polo – this is one of the most popular and sought after hatchbacks on the market. Their stylish and modern design combined with German engineering is what attracts most people. Its fuel consumption is 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

Volkswagen Up – this mini hatchback is the newest addition to the Volkswagen family. It caters to those who are looking for a small car for daily use. It has a futuristic design and a fuel consumption that is only 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Open Corsa – The Opel Corsa is particularly favoured by students and young drivers because of its small and adorable appearance. It consumes an average of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres which makes it affordable for regularly campus driving.

Tata Indica – Tata has made a big impression on the affordable hatchback market so many car buyers who want a small everyday car opt for the Tata Indica. Furthermore, the fuel consumption is 6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Hyundai Atos – this little hatchback can fit into almost small space and it is nimble enough for city driving. Fuel consumption is 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres which is a bit more than the other cars in this category but its narrow small size gives you the possibility to navigate through traffic easily.

Hyundai i10 – the Hyundai i10 is very popular because it is attractive and cost efficient. Its fuel consumption figure is a modest 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Car leasing has been traditionally regarded as a beneficial phenomenon for reasons more than one. At the onset, if you are leasing a car instead of buying the same, you are definitely avoiding almost life-long commitment to a car with depreciating value. Add to that, you’re coughing up less on maintenance and as monthly fees as well. Explored below are other reasons why leasing a car turns out to be a great option for you!

A car with “better value” guaranteed!

When compared to buying, leasing remains a more fruitful option because inevitably you are paying for the depreciation of the car during the lease period only. Since you don’t own it you are not really committing to the car’s value for a longer time. Your monthly payments, as a result, are lower than other forms of finance. This, in turn, leaves you with the option to secure a more desirable make or trim. You are basically driving the car mostly during its trouble-free years.

Latest Technology

As someone leasing a new car you are actually enjoying access to the latest technology backing cars. MirrorLink, for instance, remains one of the popular additions in the line-up modern techniques. It syncs your smartphone screen with that of your car’s for improved night vision. Then there is Autonomous Emergency Braking which minimizes the risk of crashes.

Down Payment is not always Mandatory!

If you are leasing a car, you do have the option of not shelling out down payment. However, you need to make the first month’s payment along with the registration fees and official tag. In this regard, it must be mentioned that there might as well be some car lease promotional deals that require you to cough up the down payment.

What are the Big Ticket Monitoring Costs: How can you Avoid them?

The big-ticket monitoring costs can be duly avoided as well. Since you are driving the car in its trouble-free years, you will not really be required to replace the aircon units or for that matter the timing belts. What more? You might not as well require batteries as well!

Are manufacturer’s warranties covered?

If you are prudent enough to lease for a term which is almost similar to the manufacturer’s warranty coverage, you will actually have your car repairs covered. Depending on the terms of the lease you might as well find some companies offering you free scheduled maintenance services.

These days, purchasing a new car requires a lot of money. For those looking for another option due to the financial output, shopping for a used car may be a good bet. Of course, a previously owned car, no matter how sleek and shiny may have hidden disadvantages.

Below find tips from some finely-tuned insurance professionals on how to go about the task of shopping for a used car.

8 Ways to Get a Good Deal on a Previously-Owned Car

• Decide How Much You Can Spend on the Purchase
Prior to shopping around for a good used car, do a personal financial tally. Then focus only on buys you can afford – whether via financing or full payment method.

• Choose the Right Kind of Vehicle
Unmarried people without kids do not need a big car. On the other side of the coin, married folks with children in tow could use a larger car. Recreational drivers, long-distance drivers and city or highway drivers have different needs as well. Assess your individual requirements, then shop for the car that matches them.

• Check Out Prices and Repair Frequency
Look online to determine what you should be paying for car makes and models according to year and usage. This search will also let you know what type of vehicles requires less maintenance work and what type has less mechanical headaches.

• Learn about the Car’s Past
Research a particular car’s history by putting in the Vehicle Information Numbers. This will get you to a full report about past collisions, owners and even recorded maintenance and repair jobs.

• Test the Car out by Taking it for a Spin
Drive your prospective car purchase over a calculated route that includes hills, bumps, curves and highway maneuvering. This way, you’ll get an idea how the overall driving ability is.

• Get a Professional Mechanic’s Opinion
Enlist your favorite mechanic in the decision by hiring him or her to inspect the car for surface problems that a layman like you may not be able to detect.

• Use Your Price-Negotiating Skills
Utilize the knowledge you have gained from all your research on the car to negotiate a price that fairly reflects its true value.

And Last But Surely Not Least

• Don’t Forget About Auto Insurance
Before completing the buying process, speak to an experienced independent insurance agent about insurance for the vehicle. After binding the policy, sign the contract, pay, and you are good to go. No worries about the possibility of no coverage on the road to home!

Now that you have a new (used) automobile take care of it with good maintenance practices and remember to keep driving safety a priority.

Ford cars had struggled to find a strong foothold in India even after many years. Customers just could not find any association with Ford cars and preferred the offerings from a competitor over it. Things looked bleak for Ford in India, but it all changed with the launch of Ford EcoSport. The crossover SUV was an instant hit and offered a new lease of life for Ford in India. It has been followed by Ford Figo, which is hatchback from Ford and has found considerable traction with automobile enthusiasts in India. Let’s look at its various aspects and understand if this car has got what it takes to beat the competition.

Ford Figo Exteriors

One of the most well designed in its segment is the new generation, Ford Figo. With an Aston Martin like front grill and very clear design, the American car maker has once again come up with an amazing design powered by good engineering. The modest design and the wrap around the tail lamps also make the Ford Figo very visually appealing to the audience. It is available in seven different colors for the customers to choose from.

Ford Figo Interiors

New generation Ford Figo has all black interiors as compared to the previous generation dual tone colors. Ergonomically the Ford Figo is very subtle. The top end model gives a visual readout for the infotainments system. The cabin quality is good, and the performance of the car is amongst the best in the segment. The noise insulation of the Ford Figo is also very good at high speeds. It has a ground clearance of 173 mm which makes escaping small speed breakers and tiny potholes easier. The cabin space of the Ford Figo is very comfortable for the front seats as well as the passengers at the back. The seats are very comfortable with a good and premium finish.

Ford Figo features

It is available as an option on the Titanium variant with both the 1.2-liter petrol and the 1.5-liter diesel engine options. The Sports variant gets a stiffer suspension setup which makes the handling of the car sportier. To compliment this characteristic, the Figo also gets a black mesh grille, bigger 15-inch black alloy wheels, contrast roof, black ORVMs, smoked headlamps, boot-mounted spoiler, side and rear decals with an ‘S’ badge, leather-wrapped steering wheel and all-black interiors with red contrast stitching to make the car look and feel sportier. The price of the Sports variant is Rs 50,000 more than the standard Titanium variant.

In terms of safety, the Ford Figo gives six airbags on the top and model which makes the car one of the safest in its segment.

Ford Figo Price

In terms of commercials, Ford Figo price starts at Rs.5.59 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) and the top end variant Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Titanium AT is priced at Rs. 8.46 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

With some exciting features and competitive pricing, Ford Figo is going to give some tough competition to the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, VW Polo, and Fiat Punto.

Shopping for a car is a responsible process, which is often associated with lots of challenges. With so many nuances that have to be taken into account, it’s not easy to choose a vehicle, the quality and characteristics of which will come up to your needs and expectations. Many people believe that buying a used car is a bad choice. So, they start looking for a new car, which is always a more expensive solution. If you face the same dilemma, consider the major reasons to buy a second-hand auto.

1. Affordability

Affordability is, probably, the major reason to get a used automobile. Whether you buy a 2-year old vehicle or the one, which is over 10 years old, it will still cost less as compared to a new car. This is no wonder, because autos depreciate with the lapse of time and even those cars, which initially were quite expensive, may cost several times less.

2. Certified Pre-Owned Options

When you buy a used auto, you are always worried about its condition and possible shortcomings you don’t know about. This is quite risky, of course, and this is what often makes customers give preference to new vehicles, even if they are much more expensive. Fortunately, contemporary carmakers start offering versatile Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) options, which make used cars a nice money investment. These programs as well as their terms may differ a lot from each other, which basically depends upon the manufacturer. In most cases, CPO programs imply special warranty terms and some other options depending upon your current needs. This is a pretty nice solution for used car owners.

3. Extensive Choice

Hundreds of new car models emerge in the market each year. This number keeps increasing with every passing day, offering freedom of choice to customers all over the world. However, new cars cost a lot and you have to be sure about your financial abilities, if you decide to opt for the one. When it comes to selection of used automobiles, the variety of models available for sale is much more impressive. This means that your choice is more extensive. This is just the matter of your taste, requirements and budget. You can choose any car models you like – even those, which are not manufactured anymore.

4. Lower Insurance Rates

When it comes to insurance, new cars are undoubtedly more costly. This is because the value of an auto is that aspect, which is primarily considered in the process of insurance rate determination. In other words, the more valuable a vehicle is – the more expensive the insurance policy will be. This is quite understandable, because repairing a valuable car will cost more as compared to a used auto. Thus, when you buy a second-hand car, you will pay less for the insurance policy.

5. Powerful Aftermarket Communities

When you buy a new auto, you will have to look for the aftermarket community to help you solve your problems for quite a long period of time. This won’t happen, if you opt for a used automobile. The older a car is – the more extensive and powerful aftermarket community it has. This is a notable support for any car owner, because there are many questions and answers you can discuss with the owners of similar car models.

6. Lower Registration Expenses

The cost of car registration generally depends upon the location you live in. It may differ even from one state to another, not to mention different countries at all. However, registering a used auto is much cheaper than a new car in any country. This often depends upon the age, power and even weight of a car as well as on other important characteristics. What’s more, some countries charge annual taxes for cars depending upon their age.

When you are about to buy a used car, you should carefully look at the car inside and out. The first thing to look at is the oil and other liquids in the engine. Look at the color of the oil. If the oil is pretty dark or black, that is a sign that it needs to be changed. Look at the valve covers to see if there is oil residue around the edges of the covers.

If so, it is time for new valve cover gaskets to be installed. Look at the radiator fluid to see if the antifreeze is good. If it is discolored, it will need to be changed along with flushing of the cooling system. If the odometer is mechanical, look at the far left odometer wheel and see if there are any scratch marks. If scratch marks are present, it is possible that the mileage may have been tampered with.

Make sure that the same wheel is centered. If it is not lined up with the rest of the odometer wheels, that can be another sign of tampering. Fingerprints on the dial can indicate tampering. Look at the tires and see what type of wear is shown. An indication of poor alignment is when the front tire wear is more on the left or right side of the tire tread.

The way to test the alignment while driving is to drive at 30 and 60 miles per hour. If the car pulls to the right or left, the alignment can be out. This is most important on the front wheels. Look at the transmission fluid to see if it is full. This is done while engine is running.

Put the car in reverse and all the other gears. Put back in park and check the transmission dipstick. Look at the color of the fluid. If the color is a light pink/red color, it is usually good. If the color of the fluid is a dark red, it should be replaced along with the filter.

Look for any rust under the car along the frame. Look for rust on the exhaust. Look for rust inside the car under the carpets to see if the car is a flood car. Checking under the seats is also a good place to check for rust. That is a big indicator of a flood car. Last thing is to get a vehicle history report.

Just as the model selection is critical to the performance of the car so as the tyres. Afterall the basic integrity of performance lies in the tyres itself. Tyres are often selected by the dealers during the purchase looking at the model and your application. Nevertheless, an ample knowledge can not only protect you from harm but may help you in selecting even better option. Sometimes the car fails to serve us the performance we are expecting from it and that can be because of wrong tyre selection. There’s no need to fret because you can easily exchange them from the dealer.

Basically these are the types of tyres available and you can consider any one of them based on your application and expectation

1. Standard Tyres:

As the name suggests, these are the generic form of tyres and the one usually fitted with cars. Nothing great can be expected out of them as they are meant for general purposes. You can consider them if you do not desire a huge performance from your vehicle.

2. Touring Tyres:

These are of premium type and are usually meant for travelling purposes. The best part about them is minimal noise level and less vibrations. These tyres leave a characteristic tread pattern and so can easily be distinguished from others. However, the tread pattern is somewhat less aggressive than the sporty ones.

3. Sporty Tyres:

These are high performance tyres with higher grip levels to sustain both dry and wet climatic conditions. The only drawback with them is their high noise level. As discussed earlier the tread patterns of these tyres are aggressive and so make noise while driving.

4. High Speed Tyres:

These can be found in both sporty and touring category. A high performance tyre is equipped with durable construction that can withstand extremities. One of the finest to choose if you aim for high performance. These can generally be seen with sports car as their noise level is lesser.

5. Eco friendly Tyres:

Yes, tyres can be eco friendly too. These are new to the league and help in reducing fuel consumption by lowering friction losses. If your fuel expense is rising day by day then you can surely give these a try.

6. Run Flat Tyres:

These are available in both sporty and touring types. These are specially designed in a way to reduce the loss of handling after a tyre puncture. A car can be driven in punctured condition with Run Flat Tyres for a distance of 80 kms and a speed of 80 km/hr. You do not have to worry to change the tyre pronto or if there’s no garage around. The performance is also better than others and can surely be relied on.

So you are having a junk car in your garage which is holding a lot of space. I guess at some point we really need to get rid of junk from our garage but getting a fair deal for it becomes difficult. Mostly owners demand a high amount which dealers refuse to fulfill. Seldom it is also affected by the fluctuations in scrap rates and we keep on waiting until a good deal is found. Finding a good dealer and rate is tough but if you have found one then here are some basic tips before you finally dispose it off.

1. Check thoroughly:

What can possibly be in that car? would be your first thought while thinking of checking it. We have a tendency to leave our belongings in the car. Sometimes car becomes another home and we tend to leave things in it thinking to be safe. Yes, definitely it is safe but now that you have decided to dispose it why not give it a thorough check. Check the car completely that is, the CD player, under floor mats, above visors,bins. If you have any insurance card left in the car then take it out as well even if it is out of date. The paperwork should be with you too. It is your responsibility to check before the tow truck comes.

2. Sell valuable parts alongside:

Ofcourse you found a good junk deal but there is no harm in selling valuable components of the car to some other person for few extra bucks. For like your car batteries as they have a resale value and you can sell it to some recycler as the lead in batteries can get some extra bucks.

3. Remove license plates:

The junkyard is always in a hurry, so you do not get sufficient time to even talk to the towing drivers. Make sure that you remove license plates to avoid any future distress. In many countries you have to handover the license plate to the motor vehicle department for cancelling car registration or an insurance. Make sure to remove it in the first place.

4. Use your fuel:

If your car was in working condition before selling it to the junkyard and you would want to use up the fuel before towing. Even if it is not running at all then siphon the gasoline from the fuel tank discreetly. The junkyard is anyway going to drain all the fuel off your tank before recycling it.

In today’s world, maintenance and neglection can determine the life of your tyres. It’s quite tough to take care of your each & every part of your vehicle to maintain the performance or extend the life of your one of the most valuable assets. Neglecting the maintenance of your car tyres can be very costly.

Pay attention to these key areas to save on its replacement instead of keeping an eye on your vehicle’s performance and checking other parts. According to the experts, tyre maintenance is not a rocket science, it’s just a set of basic rules which are easy to follow for extending their life.

Know the inflation level: You better know the inflation level which is the biggest influence on tyre life. They are designed to run at a specific pressure. So gather the information on your exact axle load or refer to a tyre load chart. These are available online as well so that you can make the adjustments accordingly.

Join a good inflation maintenance program: It’s better if you can join a good tyre maintenance program which is quite difficult as they naturally lose air. Small punctures or valve caps may encourage the leakage. Make sure you check your tyres on a regular basis or once in a week to look if there is a rapid leak.

Reduce your driving speed: It always recommends to control your driving speed because the high speed generates more heat and accelerate tyre wear. The average speed between 55 mph to 75 mph can reduce the total treads mileage by 20{755e324883c0502b92646d1e76cbf5853f2521ba706385a3952036c5d3d8434e} so make sure you keep the speed approx 55mph to increase the mileage.

Keep your vehicles well-aligned: Poor vehicle alignment is the major reason of the uncertain wears. Unexpected tread wear would appear on parts of the tyres if they don’t run straight ahead. The vehicle should be properly aligned so it’s better you start a serious alignment program which may increase the tyre mileage by 30{755e324883c0502b92646d1e76cbf5853f2521ba706385a3952036c5d3d8434e}.

Mount it correctly: It’s better you watch the performance of your car tyres. You will have to watch that your tyres are mounted or match-mounted to the wheel correctly. The high spot may vary one tyre to another so watch this mark when you mount the tyres. It’s better if you take the high spot to match it to the low spot of the wheel.

Check & replace a wheel on time: You need to check the wheels and suspension components on time so that you can replace these hidden enemies of your tyres. If your wheel bearing is not torqued properly, it may cause irregular wear. Worn shock absorbers may cause depression wear on treads and an early trip to the scrap pile. Don’t wait for the suspension components to be broken or for any leakage. It’s better if you can replace shock absorbers and other suspension components.

Rotate Tyres: Intelligent tyre rotation is quite important to promote even tread wear and add a lot of extra miles in tread life. It’s better if you rotate drive tyres between forward and back positions once in a few months to even out wear. Rear tyres will wear quicker than the forward positions so, it’s better if you emphasize on intelligent tyre rotation.

Imagine you have had mobile car valeting experts come and take care of your vehicle yesterday. Temperatures dropped, and over the night your car windows got completely frosted over. Surely that is not a pleasant thing to see in the morning, especially if you are in a hurry for work.

There is no way you are driving with ice on your windshield, so you need to figure out ways to deal with the challenge quickly. Normally, you will look to your ice scraper for aid. It should be noted that this tool can easily scratch the glass if you are not careful. Besides, it takes some time to deal with the task at hand. For this reason, you will do well to check out other options:

Use a de-icer – perhaps the easiest thing you can do is to purchase a commercial de-icer. These specially formulated de-icing fluids are largely available throughout the winter, and they do a decent job at removing accumulated ice on your car windows. But you can also make your solution, as it is not that hard. You just need to use rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dish soap. Use a spray bottle and invert several times to mix the solution well. Spray it on the frosted parts of the window and wait. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes for the solution to work. Finally, use a scraper to remove the softened ice. If any areas are giving you trouble, apply more de-icer.

Use a credit card – if you lack a de-icer, you can resort to more basic methods that involve tools at hand. A credit card naturally comes as a suitable solution, because of its shape. However, don’t expect miracles and try to aid yourself as much as possible by starting your car and turning the defroster. Leave it running and get to work. Grab a credit card you know it’s safe to use and isn’t laminated. Hold the long edge of the card against some angle and push the ice firmly. Try not to bend the card. What you can also do is stack a few more cards to double the scraping strength. Once enough ice has been removed, use the wipers to clear away the mush.

Use hand warmers or warmed ice packets – get a microwave-safe bag and warm rice for 30 seconds. Get the rice to your car and press it on the inside of the frosted window. The warming effect will quickly melt the ice. The main advantage of this method is that it warms up the glass so that it doesn’t freeze as you drive. It also warms up the interior or your car nicely. However, do keep in mind that keeping a warmer in one place for too long can stress the glass. Keep it only for as long as needed to melt the ice a little bit and finish off with the wipers.

Be preventive – the best way to deal with ice is to prevent it in the first place. Cover your car windows with a folded sheet, blanket or towel. Your windows may still get a little damp, but it will not have a thick cover of ice to deal with.

These are all viable strategies for dealing with ice on your car windows. Use them before or after you have had mobile car valeting services and you will have windows free from ice.

Buying a trailer is not easy as some people think. It can be a very stressful process, especially if you don’t know which trailer is the right one for you. You need to be sure that whatever trailer you buy; it has to suit your purpose.

Nowadays, there are so many trailer dealers on the market and you might be confused about which trailer to buy. You should choose a trusted dealer if you want to get a quality product at a reasonable price. Choosing a dealer that you don’t know means putting yourself at risk. It’s always a good alternative to look through dealers online. The cost of the trailer will vary from one dealer to another. Make an enquiry for each one in form of direct dealing, telecommunication or via email. When you choose the best dealer for you, he will help you decide which trailer type best fits your needs.

There is no doubt that some people will pay a much higher cost for a trailer in order to increase its functionality and transportation capacity. A trailer can have different purposes. With so many various types of trailers, list all your needs on a paper. It will give you an idea of which trailer is suited for you. The most common types are box trailers and tandem trailers.

As a buyer, you need to consider the size of the trailer. It’s always recommended to choose the purpose of your trailer and then its size. They are divided into several classes, however open and enclosed trailers are the most common types. Obviously, your first consideration will be to buy the biggest and heaviest; but you may be making a mistake. Every trailer has an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) which points the optimal load capacity it can handle.

Can’t decide between open or enclosed trailer? This is an easy one – if your cargo needs to be protected from the rain and storm – you need an enclosed one. If the weather is not something you worry about than an open trailer is recommended.

Another important thing you need to consider is buying a galvanized or painted trailer. This is a long-term investment and your trailer has to be durable. If you choose a durability and longevity as factors in the buying process – go for galvanized ones. They may be more expensive than painted ones, but they are easier to maintain.

Before buying a trailer, it is important to be aware of all services provided by the dealer. Many dealers offer after sale services, although there are some dealers who don’t take any responsibility after the sale. Even if you want to repair the trailer on your cost, you have to search for a new repair centre. That’s why you should buy from dealer who provides after-sale services as well.

For many years I was fortunate enough to drive more upscale type cars. However, my situation changed with needing to drive a three-hour daily round trip for work. Our gas pricing in my thinking have increased to off the charts, especially when we live in countries that has their own oil. American gas has gone up to, but not like Canadian fuel costs. Canadians also pay at the pumps an additional 37{755e324883c0502b92646d1e76cbf5853f2521ba706385a3952036c5d3d8434e} in governmental taxes and fees. I don’t believe O.P.E.C was a great deal for North American consumers. Many oil rich middle eastern countries are not charging their citizens world prices, or major taxation on fuel. Since we all experience these situations one way or anther, here are my tips to reduce your automobile gas pains…

I now only purchase used gas efficient mechanically checked cars for safety. I have another article on this site called, how you can save money buying used cars, but my focus mainly in this article is fuel economy. Traveling back and forth to work takes me 3 hours daily doing like 3000 miles or 5000 Kilometers a month. That could cost in an upscale vehicle $800 to $1200/monthly, but I’m paying $425.00. Besides my vehicles purchased being fuel-efficient there are a few other things I do:

• I Keep a half tank, buy gas for the day, and never fill the tank until an amazing pricing deal comes along.
• My tire’s air pressure is checked weekly, makes a difference in fuel economy as well.
• Twice a year the vehicle is tuned up, spark plugs, air filters make a whole difference spending less at the pumps.
• I am working on staying at 60 miles/hour or 100 Kilometres. They say it the most efficient highway speed for reducing fuel costs.

I realize most people aren’t doing the 30,000 miles or 50,000 kilometres per year drive. Even though I know my tips for more gas efficiency will help everyone.

As a sidebar… There are very few people I speak with about gas prices who are happy, but they keep suffering in silence. Perhaps its time for us to be heard by the government? Maybe using the very same platforms that social issues works-on would be effective here. Imagine people demonstrating peacefully all over the country at the same time, social media sites going viral on gas prices, and the news covering the events around the world. I believe only then would change to gas prices take effect. The government might realize if change isn’t made they might not be re-elected. Just anther thought in helping us resolve the automobile gas pains we suffer daily!